Scientists Compete to Reveal Secrets to Long Life

August 21, 2012

Unlocking Word MeaningsRead
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. longevity (n.) [lon-jev-i-tee, lawn-] – long life

Example: If people practice healthy
habits, they may achieve longevity.

2. diagnosis (n.) [dahy-uhg-noh-sis] – the act or process of trying to know what kind of sickness a person has

Example: Early diagnosis of a disease gives patients more
time to prepare for treatment.

3. validate (v.)
[val-i-deyt] – to confirm the truth or correctness of something

Example: The scientist did the experiment
again to validate results of the
first test.

4. centenarian (n.) [sen-tn-air-ee-uhn] – a person who has reached the age of 100 or more

Example: At the age of 115, Chiyono
Hasegawa became one of the oldest centenarians
in the world.

5. figure out (phrasal
v.) [fig-yer out] – to understand something

Example: Doctors are trying to figure out what kinds of food cause
cancer.

ArticleRead
the text below.

X
Prize Foundation, which gives awards for scientific achievements, will be
organizing a contest to unlock the mysteries of longevity.

In September 2013,
scientists will compete for the Archon Genomics X Prize, worth $10 million.

Scientists believe
that unique genes in some people guard against cancer and heart disease, and
in turn, make people’s lives longer. To help validate this theory, scientists will be given thirty days to examine
DNA donated by 100 centenarians. Researchers will
have to do this as quickly and as low a cost as possible.

The aim of the
contest is for researchers to see which genes are responsible for helping
people live longer lives.

The project would
be a big advancement in science because it could lead to cheaper DNA analysis
technology and methods. This means DNA
analysis technology could be used more often for medical diagnosis. Doctors would also be able to give patients medicine that
matches their genes.

Scientists
interested in applying have until May next year to register. The first team
to join the contest was the group of Dr. Jonathan Rothberg of the Life
Technologies Corporation in California.

Dr. Rothberg says
that studying the 100 DNA samples is the first step to learning the secrets
of staying young.

Dr. Craig Venter, founder
of the prize, also expressed his surprise at the progress of genetic studies
and how their costs are decreasing. If the scientists who will join the
contest become successful, it would be clear that today’s technology has come
a long way, Venter added.

Any information
gathered on the project will be shared with the scientific community so that
others may have a chance to figure out
how to get a long and healthy life.

Viewpoint DiscussionEnjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A

·How do you think people and society will be
affected if scientists discover the secret to long life?